An analysis of the heat deaths in St. Louis during July, 1966.

Maximum daily temperatures of 90 to 95F occurred on most of the days between mid-June and 8 July 1966. From 9 July to 15 July the mean daily temperature was 12 to 17F above normal with daily maximums of 101 to 106F. The daily minimum temperatures were near 80F or above so that little night time relief from the heat was possible. Death certificates were analyzed for the four-week period of 1 through 29 July, 1966. All pertinent data from each certificate was punched on data processing cards and the information processed to answer a number of specific questions on total deaths, certified heat deaths, deaths from other causes, effects of age, sex, and race, and the relationship between daily temperature pattern and deaths. The effects of the environmental temperature on total death rate was dramatic. The rapid rise in reported deaths followed the beginning of the severe heat wave by 1 to 2 days and decreased rapidly again when the heat wave broke. Of more than 500 excess deaths which occurred during the heat wave, 246 were attributed primarily to heat. Deaths from heart disease, strokes and pulmonary disorders increased during the heat wave and accounted for most of the excess deaths that were not primary heat deaths. Heat deaths occurred in all age groups except the 1-19 years of age groups but were more frequent in the older age groups. A sex difference on the incidence of heat deaths was present. (Author)